If you’ve seen a bundle of Phish shows, it’s probable that you’ve been asked “why do you see this band so much?” repeatedly over the years. Everyone’s answer to that question is different, but most involve the aspect of surprise and the fact that neither the band or the audience knows what will happen. The second night of Phish’s New Year’s Run in Miami contained many unexpected moments, which is what we look for at each show.

The show started innocently enough with a straight forward first set that included the second Access Me ever and the first since June 26, 2004. Mike Gordon wrote the brilliant little ditty for Undermind that same year, but the song seemed to have disappeared after Mike and Trey performed a version of Access Me in Utica back in 2005 at a 70 Volt Parade show. Yet there it was in all its glory with Anastasio’s high harmony, Page McConnell’s plucky clav playing and Gordon’s heavily-syncopated bass line. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait five years for the next version. Another rarity performed in last night’s first set also came off of Undermind, The Connection. While we only get a taste of the tune on the album, the quartet stretched The Connection out ever so slightly at the basketball-only arena.

As fun as the rarities were, the highlight of the first set was a groovy Reba with a jam that had a quicker pace than usual which seemed to inspire Anastasio. Not only was the jam good but the band nailed the composed parts that lead up to the improv, a theme that would continue on this night that saw a highly confident version of Phish. The Divided Sky was another tune that was nailed from first note to last. All in all the first set was a nice appetizer for what would ultimately be a most delicious main course. Read On